The Crow Tribe. 37 



green, blue, and purple, the varying reflections of which 

 are very beautiful. It appears to be a shy bird, gene- 

 rally keeping at a safe distance from mankind, although 

 never building far from houses; perhaps because game- 

 keepers and farmers wage war against it on account of 

 its depredations. No food comes amiss to it ; it will 

 eat young game and poultry, fish, carrion, eggs, insects, 

 fruit, and grain. Yet it must do good service in ridding 

 gardens and fields of destructive foes, for it eats beetles 

 in great numbers, snails, worms, reptiles, and mice. 

 When tame it is a very amusing bird, and will learn to 

 talk like a parrot and to perform many odd tricks ; but 

 it must be taken from the nest when it is only a fort- 

 night old, and fed at first on bread soaked in milk or 

 water, afterwards on chopped meat, and then it can be 

 kept on any kitchen scraps. When it is nearly fledged 

 it must be accustomed to take short flights and return 

 to its owner, and the wings may be a little clipped till 

 it becomes quite at home in captivity, and has no desire 

 to take flight. It will then become tame enough to 

 follow its master like a cat, and is capable of great 

 attachment to individuals ; but its invincible propensity 

 for mischief, and its desire to carry off and hide every- 

 thing shining or metallic, make it Capable of doing a 

 great amount of damage in a very short space of time. 

 The Magpie has a strong attachment to his mate, and 

 will show great courage in defending his nest and 

 young ; but if bereaved of his mate, will very speedily 

 find another. 



